Djokovic in the dock as Murray caught out in Australian Open

Andy Murray's bittersweet relationship with the Australian Open continues after he lost a fourth final at the Rod Laver arena, falling apart in the closing stages of his showdown with Novak Djokovic. And afterwards there was a whiff of controversy over suggestions that the Serbian had been guilty of play-acting and feigning injury to disconcert Murray.

After two evenly-matched sets of at times brutal tennis there was nothing between the two players, until Djokovic began to limp badly at the start of the third set. The Serbian also appeared in distress at the start of the second set, and although he recovered it was Murray who took the second on a tie-break.

Murray had the wind in his sails at the start of the third and went a break up against a broken-looking Djokovic, who fell to the floor after several points. But it was then that the world number one staged a miraculous recovery and went on to win 12 of the next 13 games to take the title.

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"This match was especially notable for the way that Djokovic went through two particular spells looking like he was on the brink of collapse," says the Daily Mail. "Oscar nominee or genuine difficulties? It can be hard to tell with Djokovic, and the same question has dogged Murray on occasions."

Djokovic was forced to "fend off accusations of gamesmanship," says The Guardian. But it notes that "Murray resisted the invitation to criticise the Serb" in his post-match interviews, instead blaming himself for losing concentration.

Some observers believe he was right to do so. "The reaction from most of the former players watching was one of dismay – not so much at Djokovic's antics but more at Murray’s lack of sustained nous and composure, which undermined an otherwise fine display," says the Daily Telegraph. "Once the panic began to set in, Murray's level fell away dramatically."

But it is not all doom and gloom for Murray, writes Barney Ronay of the Guardian. "There is a huge personal significance in simply being in the position to notch up a sixth losing major final... The last 18 months have seen an extended process of retrenchment and reconditioning at the end of which the Scot can at least now be sure his post-surgery physique, pared-down coaching staff and minutely evolving game... is fit for purpose as he enters the final third of his career."